There are many different scalp problems with varying causes and you would need a trained dermatologist to help you address the problems.
Hair Loss
Although hair loss is not a serious health concern, it does affect an individual’s self-confidence, psychology and mental wellbeing. Patients can experience significant distress and anguish if they are not able to address and stop their hair loss.
Excessive hair loss is defined as daily hair loss of more than 100 strands of hair. Dr. Wong will need to diagnose accurately the type of hair loss during consultation before he can offer any treatment plan.
Dr. Wong Soon Tee
MBBS (Singapore) | MRCP (UK) | FAMS (Singapore) |
Why Choose Us
Friendly & Experienced Specialist
Dr Wong connects well with his patients & he is a specialist with over 30 years of experience.
Thoughtful & Insightful Consultation
Our specialist listens & explains well to his patients on their skin issues and their queries.
Safe & Effective Treatment
We offer carefully curated FDA & HSA-approved treatments that give effective results.
Care and Professionalism Refined by
Over 30 years of Dermatology Experience
- MBBS, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore
- MRCP. Member of Royal College of Physicians, United Kingdom
- FAMS, Fellow of Academy of Medicine, Singapore
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore
- Visiting Consultant, University Dermatology Division, National University Hospital
- Visiting Consultant, Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre, National University Hospital
What are the Common Causes of Hair Loss?
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Genetic
Likelihood of hair loss is greatly increased when there is family history of hair loss especially from both parents. The inherited hair follicles are overly sensitive to the hormone that drives the pattern hair loss.
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Hormonal
In male, a hormonal mediated Miniaturization of the hair leads to the hair follicles shrinking gradually and falling off from the scalp overtime. In females, their hair follicles also react to hormones and lead to pattern hair loss.
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Age
With ageing, the hair growth cycle is shortened. Progressive effects of hormones with age also make it worse. Hence, the saying “50% of men will lose 50% of their hair by 50 years of age”.
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Autoimmune
In Alopecia areata, your own immune system attack and destroy the hair and cause the patchy or diffuse hair loss.
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Medication
Acne medication e.g. Isotretinoin, cancer medications, immunosuppressants e.g. methotrexate, Cyclosporine can all cause hair loss.
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Medical
Thyroid disorder, severe scalp infection or inflammation can all cause hair loss.
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Stress
Hair shedding can result from some shock / stress to our well-being with the resulting shift of growing anagen hair to resting telogen hair. Typical triggers include childbirth, febrile illness (e.g. Covid, Dengue), major surgery, stopping contraceptive pill, drastic weight loss, major depression and grief.
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Nutritional deficiency
Iron, biotin, Zinc and protein deficiency can all play a role to cause hair loss.
The possibility of hair regrowth will depend on the causes and type of Hair Loss:
| Causes / Type | Is Hair Regrowth Possible? | How To Regrow Hair Loss? |
|---|---|---|
| Genetic, Hormonal, Age (Androgenetic Hair Loss) |
Yes. Early intervention is preferred | Anti-hormone, growth stimulation |
| Autoimmune (Alopecia Areata) |
Yes | Drugs (injection, lotion, or oral treatment) to counter the immune attack |
| Medical | Yes | Treat the underlying medical problem |
| Medication | Yes | Stop the implicated medication |
| Stress | Yes | Rest, growth stimulation |
| Nutritional | Yes | Replacement |
The potential for regrowth varies from patient to patient. Dr Wong will monitor as the treatment progresses and fine tune the treatment for optimal results.
Types of Hair Loss
Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss
Male and female pattern hair loss is the most common hair loss disorder in adult men and women respectively. They are gradually progressive and follow a recognizable pattern. In the male, there is usually a receding hairline with baldness on the top of the scalp. In the female, the hair becomes thin and fine over the crown and with reduction of hair volume.
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Telogen Effluvium
There are 3 types of hairs on the scalp:
- Anagen (growing hair)
- Telogen (resting hair)
- Catagen (dead hair)
In Telogen Effluvium, there is acute shedding of resting hairs (telogen hair) typically occurring three months after a stressful trigger. Severe physical or mental stress like childbirth, high fever, severe illness, depression or divorce can trigger this type of hair loss. General stress does not cause this type of hair loss. Otherwise, no one in Singapore will have any hair left! Patients typically complain of excess shedding of hairs during washing, on brushes, and even on pillows and clothes.
Alopecia Areata (balding patches)
In this disorder, your own immune system, while protecting your body against foreign elements such as viruses and bacteria, mistakenly attacks your own hair follicles and leads to patchy hair loss on the scalp. This can sometimes occur even on eyebrows, beard and other hair bearing areas.
A 7-Year Old Child With Alopecia Areata
A Female Adult With Severe Alopecia Areata
Alopecia Totalis With Loss of Brow Hair Too
Regrowth With White Hair
Treat Hair Problem
Consult Dermatologist Dr. Wong Soon Tee for a clinical evaluation and discussion about the most appropriate treatment for your hair problem. Call Assurance Skin Clinic at +65 6694 1121 for an appointment.
Hair Loss Treatment in Singapore
Depending on the type and severity of hair loss, a dermatologist in Singapore may recommend one or a combination of the following treatment options:
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Topical treatment
Involves applying medication to the balding patch to counter the hair loss. In some patients, significant regrowth and increase in hair thickness can happen, but it takes patience, discipline and commitment to see the result only after 1-2 years’ time. Some luckier ones may even see improvement in 6 months.
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Oral treatment e.g. finasteride, anti-androgen
An easier treatment for one to follow. It has better results than topical treatment because their effect is more potent.
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Injection treatment
Often the first line of treatment for Alopecia Areata. Bio-stimulatory treatment with Exosome is also beginning to gain attention. You can refer to our Exosome Hair Loss Treatment page for details.
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Hair transplant
A commonly accepted surgical solution to hair loss. Essentially, it is a reallocation or re-balancing of “your portfolio or asset”. It involves taking one’s own hair from the back of the scalp that is thought to be permanently hair-bearing and transplanting these hair grafts to the balding area. The procedure does not stop the underlying problem of ongoing hair loss and hence patients still need to be on concurrent topical and oral medication.
Please note: we do not provide the hair transplant service at Assurance Skin. If you are interested in this procedure, please contact a dedicated hair transplant specialist.
Our Clinic Location
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Camden Medical Centre
#10-01, 1 Orchard Boulevard,
Singapore 248649 - +65 6694 1121
- +65 9724 4911(WhatsApp)
- [email protected]
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Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri: 9am - 5pm
Thurs & Sat: 9am - 12.30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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+65 6694 1121
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For Faster Response, Call Us!
+65 6694 1121
Chat with our friendly clinic staff through Whatsapp!
Related Articles
Exosomes offer a regenerative and non-surgical approach to improving hair loss problems and support hair regrowth in areas with receding hairline, reduced hair density at the crown, or general shedding.